The NFL community already knew that Bill Belichick failed to get the 40 out of 50 votes required to become a first-ballot Hall of Famer. However, a Steelers reporter's claim has revealed just how close he came.

According to Pittsburgh Steelers’ insider, Gerry Dulac, Belichick only needed one more vote to make it to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility

The Steelers Radio Network has revealed that Bill Belichick got 39 votes out of 50 votes. However, this revelation won't really change how the community feels about the snub.

Multiple NFL personalities, including the legendary Tom Brady and J.J. Watt, have shared their harsh opinions. 

"I don't understand it," Brady said. "I mean, I was with him every day. If he's not a first-ballot Hall of Famer, there's really no coach that should ever be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, which is completely ridiculous because people deserve it.”

The news was shocking to athletes outside the NFL as well. NBA legend Lebron James had a similar reaction to Tom Brady.

“Man there's no way I read that right! Right? Ain't no WAY Bill Belichick ain't 1st Ballot HOF!! That's IMPOSSIBLE, EGREGIOUS, and quite frankly DISRESPECTFUL!” said James.

Patriots Legend Willie McGinest defended Bill Belichick

The reported reason behind Bill Belichick's Hall of Fame snub was his past controversies, namely Spygate.

Back in 2007, Bill Belichick was fined $500,000, which remains the highest-ever for a head coach. The matter became worse after the NFL stripped its 2008 first-round draft pick.

However, Willie McGinest challenged this as a reason, blasting the HOF voters. "If we knew your signals and your plays, we woulda won 8 f***** Super Bowls," McGinest said in his former head coach's defense.

McGinest played under Belichick, and won three Super Bowls in 2001, 03', and 04'. Throughout his career, he recorded 578 solo tackles and 86 sacks.

So how did you react when you learned about Belichick's snub? Tell us in the comments.

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Written by

Kalp Thaker

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi